What Is Clomid (Clomiphene)?

Clomiphene citrate is a nonsteroidal oral medication that stimulates ovulation in women and is used to treat some types of infertility. Although Clomid—a brand name of clomiphene—has been discontinued in the United States, the generic version is still available.

Purpose

Clomiphene is primarily used as a fertility medication for women who have medical conditions that may prevent ovulation from occurring naturally.

Clomiphene belongs to a group of medications known as ovulatory stimulants and it binds to the same receptors as estrogen, a naturally occurring female hormone that helps eggs to develop and be released. It triggers the pituitary gland in the brain to release hormones that in turn stimulate ovulation.

This medication may also be prescribed by healthcare providers for other reasons not listed in the medication guide. These may include:

• Male infertility
• Persistent breast milk production
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Menstrual abnormalities

Before Taking Clomiphene

Do not take clomiphene if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

You should tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if:

• You are allergic to clomiphene or other medicines
• You are taking other medications
• You have ever had uterine fibroids, liver disease, abnormal bleeding from the vagina, thyroid or adrenal disease, a pituitary tumor, or ovarian cysts other than those from PCOS

How to Take Clomiphene

Clomiphene comes as a 50mg tablet and is taken orally.

It is typically taken once a day for five days, with the first tablet taken on about the fifth day of the menstrual cycle. Women who don’t have menstrual cycles can start the medication at any time.

Clomiphene should be taken exactly as directed, and dosages should not be adjusted unless under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Side Effects

Clomiphene may cause some unwanted side effects. The most common of these are bloating and stomach or pelvic pain.

You should call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any side effects from clomiphene, including:

• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Seeing spots or flashes
• Stomach pain
• Swollen stomach
• Weight gain
• Shortness of breath

If you experience any of the following side effects and they are severe or do not go away, tell your healthcare provider:

• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Hot flushes
• Headache
• Sore breasts
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Risks

Some women who take clomiphene develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This can be life-threatening. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of OHSS:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weight gain
• Stomach pain
• Distended stomach
• Weight gain

Clomiphene may cause blurred vision. Until you know if this medication causes you to experience blurred vision, do not drive or operate heavy machinery.

A Word From Verywell

If you are dealing with infertility, know that you are not alone. Be sure to seek support from a counseling professional, a support group, and friends and family you trust while you navigate fertility treatment. You don’t need to do this alone, and you shouldn’t. The more support you have, the better.

To start, you could check out RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide “timely, compassionate support and information to people who are experiencing infertility.” Learn more on the RESOLVE website.